Social Security Handbook

1506.1Are applications you file with the Department of Veterans
Affairs or the Railroad Retirement Board considered applications
for Social Security benefits?

An application you file for survivor benefits with the Department
of Veterans Affairs for benefits payable under its program is also
considered an application for Social Security benefits. An application
filed with the Railroad Retirement Board for benefits under its programs,
is also an application for Social Security benefits. In these situations
the claim or notice of the claim is sent to SSA.

1506.2What types of Social Security benefits are considered when
you file an application with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

When you file an application with the Department of Veterans
Affairs for survivor's dependency and indemnity compensation, your
application may also be considered an application for the following
Social Security benefits:

Child's benefits;

Surviving spouse's benefits; or

Parent's monthly Social Security benefits.

Your application listed in (A) through (C) above is not considered
an application for the lump-sum death payment.

1506.3What types of Social Security benefits are considered when
you file an application with the Railroad Retirement Board?

When you file an application with the Railroad Retirement Board
for an annuity, your application is also considered an application
for Social Security benefits (unless you specify otherwise). In the
case of disability, your application is used to establish a period
of disability under both the Railroad Retirement Act and the Social
Security Act (unless you specify otherwise).

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